Carole Murphy was a soldier, sister, aunty, mother, grandma, wife, award winning florist, overall creative genius, leader and outstanding human being.  She passed away in June 2021.
 
She was diagnosed with Stage 3c Ovarian Cancer in January 2020 after going to A&E with acute symptoms.  There followed 18 months of chemotherapy, major cytoreductive surgery and multiple stays in hospital, all with COVID-19 thrown into the mix.  During her last month with us we cared for her at home – helped by an outstanding team of carers and district nurses.  We managed to celebrate a re-scheduled birthday, Christmas and Last Parade with her Army comrades, and friends popping in around the clock. 
 
Throughout her illness, I never saw Carole feel sorry for herself: she epitomised courage in the face of adversity.  Maggie’s was a big part of that.  Always welcoming, we could pop in for a chat, brew or more in-depth advice from the wonderful nurse specialists there.  It almost became a home from home.  We all used the centre: myself when visiting Carole as an in-patient; my daughter and grand-daughter, Ella who developed a very special bond with Maggie’s staff, and friends who could visit Carole in the Maggie’s Centre, rather than the ward. 
 
Maggie’s holds a special place in our hearts and I draw great comfort from regular visits to the support groups there.  Carole would be pleased that we continue to be a part of the Maggies Community.